On a quiet street between McGill and Peel subway stations in downtown Montreal’s Golden Square Mile district, the boutique Hotel Le Germain evokes a feeling of calm amid chaos. The lobby's relaxing color palette of earthy browns and greens was apparently inspired by a visit to the Grand Canyon. Refurbished in 2009, ten years after the hotel opened, the minimalist monochrome rooms are pleasingly large, with splashes of color provided by wool throws and pillows designed by Québec’s Marie Saint Pierre. The bathrooms all have rainfall jet showers, and each room boasts a Nespresso coffee machine. Le Germain also offers guests free extras like Wi-Fi and newspapers, which are perfect to enjoy while curled up by the fireplace in the lobby. The "deluxe" continental breakfast includes buttery pastries and croissants.

Perfectly situated in the buzzing heart of Montreal’s famous Golden Square Mile, Le Germain has boutique shopping, world-class museums, and great restaurants and bars all within a few blocks. Cacao 70 may well serve the best hot chocolate in the city: Patrons choose a single-origin chocolate which is then melted and served with an appropriate base to mix in for the desired consistency. A walk to the top of nearby Park du Mont-Royal offers the opportunity to burn off the calories and see the city from a different angle.

Need to Know

Rooms: 99 rooms, 2 suites; from $185.Check-in: 3 p.m.; check-out: noon.Dining options: The Laurie Raphaël restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The three- or ten-course "Chef, Chef!" tasting menu presents Québecois gastronomic specialties made from whatever is fresh and seasonal that day (à la carte is also available). Cocktails can be enjoyed pre- or post-dinner in the hotel lobby.Spa and gym details: The gym is open 24 hours daily, and it's possible to arrange in-room massages.

Insider Tips

Who's it for: Locals enjoying a city break at home; business travelers seeking something stylish; romantic getaways.Our favorite rooms: The Apartment Suite has a great view of downtown Montreal. The Deluxe Rooms have king-size beds, and those on the higher floors offer views out over the city from the glass-walled showers. Sleep in on Sundays: The hotel's new Sleep In Sunday allows you to stay throughout the day: Simply leave by 11:59 p.m. and there are no charges.